The Virginia High School League basketball season opens this week and the Lord Botetourt girls got off to a fast start with a win on Monday night. LB traveled to Spotswood and took a 46-32 win over the Trailblazers.
“Really great effort by the whole team, particularly on the defensive end,” said LB coach Renee Favaro. “Everyone contributed and it was a great win over a very good and well-run program.”
Madilyn Winterton led the Cavaliers with 17 points, 10 steals and six assists. Abby Kingery and Maggie Hoover had nine points each.
The girls are back in action Friday at Patrick Henry. Favaro only has eight girls on the team but there’s talent there.
“We want to get to the state tournament, stay healthy, and have fun,” said Favaro. “This is a small but fun group. Every kid on the roster has the ability to contribute. The seniors will lead the way, but the juniors have been on varsity since they were freshmen and are ready to contribute.”
The James River boys were scheduled to open on Tuesday with a home game against Parry McCluer. It’s a busy opening week for the Knights, who host Riverheads Thursday and travel to Bath County Friday.
“We have six returners who all will have an important role and plenty of opportunity,” said coach Ethan Humphries. “None of our guys need to be stars, but they will all have to be ultra consistent on a daily basis.”
Returnees include junior Maddox Pichay, sophomore Mark Voight and Kody Park, the lone senior on the team. Jack Beheler is a 6’6” post player who will be important to the team.
“Without trying to sound too Pollyanna, we must play with as much joy and competitive spirit as humanly possible,” said Humphries. “Our returners are wise enough to know any success we have won’t be based off talent, but on our toughness and togetherness.”
The River girls open tonight at Waynesboro under new head coach Donald Eggleston. Caitlin Canada is the lone senior but she’s a good one. Also returning are Kelsi Maydian, Audrey Benson, Jalen Thompson and Keira Crawford.
“We want to build on the success the team had last year, winning the Three Rivers District and making it to the state playoff,” said Eggleston.
The River girls have their home opener Friday against Heritage.
The Lord Botetourt boys won’t open until Friday when the Cavaliers host Alleghany. Conner Dowdy, Carson Edwards, Blake Lovern and Landon Hayes return for the Cavaliers and Braydon Whorley and Brady Kish will have expanded roles.
“The goal for the season is to see how well we can mentally and physically handle the highs and lows of the season and bring good energy and effort every time we step on the court,” said new head coach Josh Aliveto. “I want to see how many 50-50 balls we win, if we are tough enough to handle pressure and protect the ball, and if we will rebound with great intensity. If we can do these things well, I hope to win quite a few games.”
